We Tried These Self-Tanners So You Don’t Have To
Summertime is upon us - and so is prime self-tanning season. Self-tanning can help you achieve that ultra bronzed skin you’re looking for without exposing yourself to harmful UVA and UVB rays. With so many options to choose from, we’re here to help. Read our candid reviews on some of the most popular and innovative self-tanners on the market.
Psst… Don’t forget to use sunscreen every single day, even when you’re self-tanning! We have a guide for that too.
Amazon prices as of June 18, 2020.
TanTowels
Overall Rating: 8/10
Application: 8/10
Fast Results: 9/10
Scent: 7/10
If you’re looking for a mess-free way to self-tan, TanTowels are your new best friend. Infused with Vitamin E and cucumber, the clear formula works with each individual's own proteins and amino acids in their skin to create a tanned complexion. Use two towelettes to apply the product over your entire body (don’t forget to immediately wash your hands after application!). Then, reapply after around 4 hours for the optimal bronzed look before showering. The tan usually lasts around 3-5 days and fades very naturally. The only downside to this product is that the towelettes are not reusable.
Buy Now: TanTowels Self Tan Towelette Classic 10 Count, $29.00
Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self Tanning Foam
Overall Rating: 7.3/10
Application: 7/10
Fast Results: 8/10
Scent: 7/10
If you’re searching for a natural looking tan that won’t turn your skin orange, look no further than the Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self Tanning Foam. It leaves your skin a beautiful golden shade and has a semi-strong, non-offensive coconut smell. The Liquid Gold line only comes in one shade, but leaving it on for 6-7 hours will give you the perfect light-medium glow. Like most other foams, use an application mitt for best results. I also use this product in conjunction with the Bondi Sands Everyday Liquid Gold Gradual Tanning Dry-Oil to maintain a well-blended tan and increase the longevity of the color. This self-tanner also removes nicely with the Bondi Sands Reusable Exfoliating Mitt.
Buy Now: Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self Tanning Foam, $26.00
Buy Now: Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Tanning Dry-Oil, $24.00
Buy Now: Bondi Sands Reusable Exfoliating Mitt, $9.00
Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops
Overall Rating: 6.7/10
Application: 6/10
Fast Results: 6/10
Scent: 8/10
The Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops seemed like an easy and seamless way to apply self-tanner. You simply mix a few drops of the clear tanning drops in with your favorite moisturizer, and then rub it in and wash your hands. Then, over 6-8 hours, the tan will develop. But, there are a few problems with these tanning drops. First of all, they are clear, so there is no guide color. You just have to be super careful to make sure you rub the moisturizer and tanning drops evenly over your skin, without missing any areas. The other major problem is that there is so much variability. The instructions on the Tan Drops say to drop 1-12 drops of the liquid into your favorite body or face moisturizer. But, it takes a lot of trial and error to figure out how many drops to mix with how much moisturizer to attain your desired result. Overall, I like these drops to add a bit of natural glow to my face every once in a while, but I think there are other self tanners that work better and don’t leave so much to chance.
Buy Now: Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops in Dark, $35.00
St. Tropez Classic Bronzing Mousse
Photo: @allaboutmak
Overall Rating: 6.3/10
Application: 6/10
Fast Results: 6/10
Scent: 7/10
St. Tropez’s Classic Bronzing Mousse is arguably one of the most popular self-tanning options on the market and one that many people swear by. I, however, have a love-hate relationship with it. In terms of application, the process is pretty standard. After exfoliating and applying lotion to the dry areas (elbows, knees, ankles, and feet), use the Tan Applicator Mitt to apply, starting at your ankles and working up. Then wait between four to eight hours before rinsing off. Personally, I don’t love the application of this product. While you can see the product as you apply it, I do think it’s easy to miss spots. Maybe I’m expecting too much, but I like self-tanners that are essentially foolproof. I will say though, that the color it gives off is amazing. After using, you’ll look like you’ve just been sitting by the pool all day. Another positive, there’s no gross self-tan smell. The product definitely has a scent, but it’s subtle and I don’t find it offensive.
Buy Now: St. Tropez Classic Bronzing Mousse, $42.00
Buy Now: St. Tropez Applicator Mitt, $6.50
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